Syracuse University to Enhance Copy Center Offerings, Modernize Printing and Distribution Services

In a continued effort to enrich the living, learning and working experience, today Syracuse University’s Office of Auxiliary Services announced that students, faculty and staff will soon have access to more comprehensive printing, copying and distribution services.

The University will engage a nationally recognized retailer to support the enhancement of the University’s copy center offerings. Additionally, the University will partner with a local printing facility to handle all printing and bulk distribution work. This includes the printing of stationary, business cards, notepads and other print collateral, as well as the distribution of bulk mail.

“Our students, faculty and staff rely heavily on campus resources to support their studies, teaching, research and work,” says Jamie Cyr, director of auxiliary services. “Having greater access to top-notch resources and contemporary conveniences will help members of our campus community more quickly and easily accomplish their goals.”

The new copy center retailer, to be selected via a competitive request for proposal (RFP) process, will occupy the space that currently houses the Schine Copy Center. It will offer a range of copy, printing and shipping services, the latter of which is not currently available on the University’s campus.

“Members of our campus community have consistently inquired about the lack of availability of shipping options on campus,” adds Cyr. “We look forward to finally being able to offer this needed service.”

To prepare for the arrival of a new retailer, the Schine Copy Center will conclude operations as of July 1. The center will then reopen in collaboration with the University’s new retail partner prior to the start of the fall 2017 semester.

In addition to elevating the campus’ copy center capabilities, the University will also modernize all printing and distribution services to better respond to the evolving needs of Syracuse faculty and staff. Currently, these services are provided via an internal printing plant. However, as Cyr says, given the dramatic changes in the printing and distribution industry, continuing to offer these services on campus is no longer efficient or effective.

“To keep up with industry changes, the investments necessary to update, replace and sustain our equipment far exceed $1 million,” says Cyr. “As the University continues to align resources with our academic vision and mission, it makes sense for the University to join with an external partner that already has the capabilities to handle our printing and distribution services.”

Effective July 1, all print materials and the distribution of bulk mail will be handled by Dupli, a Syracuse-based, family-run company. To ensure a seamless transition, Dupli will build an online ordering platform that will allow university customers to easily find, edit and proof their printed collateral online. More information will be shared with the campus community when the online ordering system is fully functional.

“We are pleased to be partnering with such a reputable member of the Syracuse-area business community,” says Cyr. “As a result of this new partnership, the University will realize a cost savings of 5 to 10 percent on all printed materials, which is significant given the sheer volume of items we print collectively.”

As the University moves forward with implementing these changes, the Office of Human Resources is working with affected staff members. In some instances, current employees may pursue alternative employment opportunities on campus or be hired by Dupli to manage the University’s account. Alternatively, employees who are interested in concluding their tenure at Syracuse University will be offered competitive separation or retirement packages.

SU News will continue to provide updates on the progress of the copy center RFP process, as well as the status of the online ordering system. Be sure to visit http://news.syr.edu for future updates.